11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 contributes to the regulation of 7-oxysterol levels in the arterial wall through the inter-conversion of 7-ketocholesterol and 7β-hydroxycholesterol

► Metabolism of 7-oxysterols by 11β-HSD1 may influence arterial function. ► 11β-HSD1 inter-converted 7-ketocholesterol and 7β-hydroxycholesterol in mouse aorta. ► 7-ketocholesterol, but not 7β-hydroxycholesterol, altered aortic contraction. ► 11β-HSD1-mediated metabolism of 7-oxysterols may influence arterial contraction.